Devices And Uniforms
Diploma in a specific field of magikal study.
Deity
Religious courses are taught, but no religion is mandate.
Goal
The Fraternity of the Thaumateurgical University of Raslowe, most commonly known as the Fraternity of Raslowe, is an organization, which seeks to unite True Mages in the purpose of pursuing knowledge and bettering the lot of Mages throughout Xaria. They are essentially a mutual aid society, which pays lip service to the Duchy of Raslowe and the crown of Quivera.
Territory
Located on a hill that overlooks the town of Raslowe, Quivera.
Typical Member
Former Mage Apprentices. Scholars.
Recruitment & Training
The Fraternity has ranks, like a guild, with the University student at the first rank. Because of the progressive urban mind-set of the average educated student, the Fraternity is disdainful of the traditional “Apprentice-Master” method of magikal instruction used by other True Mages, considering the practice sadly rural, archaic, and “hedge-wizardly”. They insist that the old way of learning didn’t insure that the apprentice wouldn’t simply be used for manual labor by his master, never learning any real magik. The University has standards to prevent this kind of abuse. Officially-speaking.
The ranks of the Fraternity:
Entered Apprentice Academic (Student): A student of the University is technically a member of the Fraternity, even though he has only taken the Academic Oath, and not the Fraternal Oath. This is because he is spared its obligations, even charity to fellow members and paying Fraternity dues. The spell books they write are considered the property of the University, and may be confiscated at any time.
Fellow Magus (Journeyman): A student who has passed his Examination before the Masters and graduated from the University, but has not yet gone on to become a Master himself is at this rank. Many choose to remain a Fellow Magus, even though they pay the highest Fraternity dues of all the ranks. This is so that they might go on to pursue their own goals and ends, avoiding the administrational hassles the Masters are obligated to deal with and the responsibility of instructing new students. At this rank, Fraternal Brethren gain the right to own their own books.
Master Magus (Master): Some graduates seek to become members of the Faculty at Raslowe; in exchange for their services and the use of their Library by students, they are given lower Fraternity dues and relatively cheap use of the complete Library (other Masters’ collections). Their books are considered part of the University Library, and may be perused and borrowed by fellow members. Books may only be copied with the owning Master’s consent, though there are certain books which may only be copied (or even read) with the Grand Master’s permission. A certain number of days per year are demanded of the Master for the instruction of students, presence at Fraternity hearings, and meetings of the Board of Tutors to discuss University issues.
In order to be accepted as a student at the University of Raslowe, the applicant in question must be able to prove his literacy. Tuition fees are rather high, but loans may be arranged for those of less than prosperous birth who exhibit promise. These loans are paid off through additional Fraternity dues and “special services”. These services are often requested by the Grand Master (following a Convocation of the Masters) and/or the Board of Tutors, though they may be undertaken by an ambitious mage, in which case, upon completion of the service, the mage in question must convince the Grand Master that his service was indeed to the betterment of the Fraternity and/or the University. Note: This, of course, provides GMs with an excellent reason for mages to “go adventuring” – they’re paying off their tuition!
Students accepted to the University become members of the Fraternity, taking the Academic Oath, a simple promise that they will complete their courses to the best of their abilities, never share what they learn with those outside the Fraternity, and never use Death Magik or other magikal paths proscribed by the Fraternity and the King. They are instructed in Language (Rhetoric and Logic), Science (Arithmetic, Geometry, and Astronomy), and Thaumateurgy (Philosophy, Theory, and Tactics). They assemble in the streets where the University meets an hour after dawn, take notes while they hear lectures from the Faculty, and are instructed in laboratory exercises in the afternoon. After sundown, students are encouraged to transcribe their notes, copy books, and get a good night’s sleep. Physical activities such as sports are forbidden to them. While their days are strictly regimented, nights and holidays are completely unsupervised, which leads to the same sort of behavior shown by secular students – whoring, drinking, and gambling.
Upon completing the curriculum assigned to them by the University, the student stands before an Examination by the Masters, who quiz him on different subjects studied and attempt to ascertain his degree of mastery. If they find his learning satisfactory, they allow him to graduate and be named Fellow Magus. At this time, the graduate takes the Fraternal Oath, a solemn pledge of fealty to Fraternity.
Code & Conduct
The Fraternity’s charter provides for the ability to administer “low justice” – charges of infringement of the Oaths, of denial of aid to fellow members, of theft, and other charges not punishable by death. Fraternity members who fail to be charitable to their fellows may face a stiff fine; repeat offenders may be expelled from the Fraternity and effectively “black-balled”, making magikal practice within Quivera nearly impossible. The most serious crime that a Convocation may try is that of practicing Death Magik. If convicted, the offender is expelled from the Fraternity, his magikal possessions are confiscated, he is given a lashing before the assemblage, and finally, he is turned over to Duke’s/Duchess’ justice to be dealt with as he/she sees fit.
Past
The Fraternity grew out of the University of Raslowe, which was founded some time ago through a charter drawn up with the Duke/Duchess of Raslowe. The University enjoys financial support from the city burghers of Raslowe as well as individual interests in Port Kura’Stan and elsewhere. These individuals – the Duke/Duchess, his/her specified friends, the city burghers, and other major financial supporters, compose the Board of Tutors. This Board has the power to determine University curricula, hire appropriate staff, and examine and limit applicants to the University and graduation to higher ranks of mastery.
Present
The University of Raslowe is well respected. Its curriculum is broader than that taught at Karandia, however the quality of the students range from exceptional to mediocre since an education can be bought. Every seven years, a Convocation is held in Raslowe. This is an event at which all Fraternity members are encouraged to be present, make their wishes for Fraternity/University policy known to the Masters, and generally share with their fellow Mages what projects they are working on. The Convocation is officially a time when the Masters (who are obligated to show up) convene to discuss matters of Fraternity policy, to hear and decide cases of crimes against the Fraternity, and to discuss current issues of thaumateurgical theory. Aside from these solemn proceedings, the Convocation takes on the air of a festival, and the entire city of Raslowe becomes awash in colorful celebrations of magik (or, at least, what the peasants perceive magik to be). People dress up like wizards and sorceresses, stage plays of mystery and magik, and drink to ungodly excess. All of the official Fraternity business goes on behind closed doors (the Fraternity is notorious for its secrecy and love of mystery and ritual – students claim behind their Masters’ backs that this is for no reason other than to impress the peasants, offend the priests, and intimidate the nobility), but the taverns and marketplaces become choked with mages looking for a place to eat and drink while debating over magikal theorems.
Alliances
Raslowe is subject to Quivera. At present, all persons from all nations are considered for enrollment. During periods of war, students from enemy nations are put on leave until those conflicts are resolved.
Enemies
Competition exists between Traaü and Raslowe.
Leadership Grand Select Master of Arcana (Guildmaster): Only one of these fellows exists at a time, overseeing all University and Fraternity dealings and Convocations. Other Masters have reached this level of education, Spellcasting ability, and authority, but only one Grand Master exists at a time. The Grand Master may retire at any time, provided that he has selected a replacement, and that replacement has been approved by the Board of Tutors.
Divisions
The University is broken up into six separate schools: Neoteric Experimentation (True and Summoning Magik), Extraplanar Theurgy (Divine Magik), Alchemical Transfiguration (Alchemy), Restorative and Corporeal Arts (Restorative Magik), Agrological Crasiamancy (Elemental Magik and Herbalism), and Arcane Sorceries and Ancient Runes (encompassing Arcane Magik, Monster Magik, and other unusual magiks).
Within these schools, there are 333 different degrees one can obtain from Raslowe, such as Astrometerological Prognostication, Glyphic Enchanting and Mystic Endowment, Numerological Identification and Manipulation, and the ever-popular but highly-regulated Pyromantic Conjuration.
Tavern Talk And Scuttlebutt
Professional independent mages usually come recommended if they have a degree from Raslowe. Some people fear the secret experiments that are said to be held within the lower levels of the University.
In-Character Quote “There is no better institution for higher learning and liberal experimentation in all of Xaria.”
- Lord Rufus Dwighpickle VI, Dean of the School of Neoteric Experimentation
Necessary Game Mechanics
Less than 10% of the mages in the world studied at Raslowe. Mages who did study there will often feel some sort of fraternization with other Raslowe graduates, even enemies.
Devices And Uniforms
Diploma in a specific field of magikal study.
Deity
Religious courses are taught, but no religion is mandate.
Goal
The Fraternity of the Thaumateurgical University of Raslowe, most commonly known as the Fraternity of Raslowe, is an organization, which seeks to unite True Mages in the purpose of pursuing knowledge and bettering the lot of Mages throughout Xaria. They are essentially a mutual aid society, which pays lip service to the Duchy of Raslowe and the crown of Quivera.
Territory
Located on a hill that overlooks the town of Raslowe, Quivera.
Typical Member
Former Mage Apprentices. Scholars.
Recruitment & Training
The Fraternity has ranks, like a guild, with the University student at the first rank. Because of the progressive urban mind-set of the average educated student, the Fraternity is disdainful of the traditional “Apprentice-Master” method of magikal instruction used by other True Mages, considering the practice sadly rural, archaic, and “hedge-wizardly”. They insist that the old way of learning didn’t insure that the apprentice wouldn’t simply be used for manual labor by his master, never learning any real magik. The University has standards to prevent this kind of abuse. Officially-speaking.
The ranks of the Fraternity:
In order to be accepted as a student at the University of Raslowe, the applicant in question must be able to prove his literacy. Tuition fees are rather high, but loans may be arranged for those of less than prosperous birth who exhibit promise. These loans are paid off through additional Fraternity dues and “special services”. These services are often requested by the Grand Master (following a Convocation of the Masters) and/or the Board of Tutors, though they may be undertaken by an ambitious mage, in which case, upon completion of the service, the mage in question must convince the Grand Master that his service was indeed to the betterment of the Fraternity and/or the University. Note: This, of course, provides GMs with an excellent reason for mages to “go adventuring” – they’re paying off their tuition!
Students accepted to the University become members of the Fraternity, taking the Academic Oath, a simple promise that they will complete their courses to the best of their abilities, never share what they learn with those outside the Fraternity, and never use Death Magik or other magikal paths proscribed by the Fraternity and the King. They are instructed in Language (Rhetoric and Logic), Science (Arithmetic, Geometry, and Astronomy), and Thaumateurgy (Philosophy, Theory, and Tactics). They assemble in the streets where the University meets an hour after dawn, take notes while they hear lectures from the Faculty, and are instructed in laboratory exercises in the afternoon. After sundown, students are encouraged to transcribe their notes, copy books, and get a good night’s sleep. Physical activities such as sports are forbidden to them. While their days are strictly regimented, nights and holidays are completely unsupervised, which leads to the same sort of behavior shown by secular students – whoring, drinking, and gambling.
Upon completing the curriculum assigned to them by the University, the student stands before an Examination by the Masters, who quiz him on different subjects studied and attempt to ascertain his degree of mastery. If they find his learning satisfactory, they allow him to graduate and be named Fellow Magus. At this time, the graduate takes the Fraternal Oath, a solemn pledge of fealty to Fraternity.
Code & Conduct
The Fraternity’s charter provides for the ability to administer “low justice” – charges of infringement of the Oaths, of denial of aid to fellow members, of theft, and other charges not punishable by death. Fraternity members who fail to be charitable to their fellows may face a stiff fine; repeat offenders may be expelled from the Fraternity and effectively “black-balled”, making magikal practice within Quivera nearly impossible. The most serious crime that a Convocation may try is that of practicing Death Magik. If convicted, the offender is expelled from the Fraternity, his magikal possessions are confiscated, he is given a lashing before the assemblage, and finally, he is turned over to Duke’s/Duchess’ justice to be dealt with as he/she sees fit.
Past
The Fraternity grew out of the University of Raslowe, which was founded some time ago through a charter drawn up with the Duke/Duchess of Raslowe. The University enjoys financial support from the city burghers of Raslowe as well as individual interests in Port Kura’Stan and elsewhere. These individuals – the Duke/Duchess, his/her specified friends, the city burghers, and other major financial supporters, compose the Board of Tutors. This Board has the power to determine University curricula, hire appropriate staff, and examine and limit applicants to the University and graduation to higher ranks of mastery.
Present
The University of Raslowe is well respected. Its curriculum is broader than that taught at Karandia, however the quality of the students range from exceptional to mediocre since an education can be bought. Every seven years, a Convocation is held in Raslowe. This is an event at which all Fraternity members are encouraged to be present, make their wishes for Fraternity/University policy known to the Masters, and generally share with their fellow Mages what projects they are working on. The Convocation is officially a time when the Masters (who are obligated to show up) convene to discuss matters of Fraternity policy, to hear and decide cases of crimes against the Fraternity, and to discuss current issues of thaumateurgical theory. Aside from these solemn proceedings, the Convocation takes on the air of a festival, and the entire city of Raslowe becomes awash in colorful celebrations of magik (or, at least, what the peasants perceive magik to be). People dress up like wizards and sorceresses, stage plays of mystery and magik, and drink to ungodly excess. All of the official Fraternity business goes on behind closed doors (the Fraternity is notorious for its secrecy and love of mystery and ritual – students claim behind their Masters’ backs that this is for no reason other than to impress the peasants, offend the priests, and intimidate the nobility), but the taverns and marketplaces become choked with mages looking for a place to eat and drink while debating over magikal theorems.
Alliances
Raslowe is subject to Quivera. At present, all persons from all nations are considered for enrollment. During periods of war, students from enemy nations are put on leave until those conflicts are resolved.
Enemies
Competition exists between Traaü and Raslowe.
Leadership
Grand Select Master of Arcana (Guildmaster): Only one of these fellows exists at a time, overseeing all University and Fraternity dealings and Convocations. Other Masters have reached this level of education, Spellcasting ability, and authority, but only one Grand Master exists at a time. The Grand Master may retire at any time, provided that he has selected a replacement, and that replacement has been approved by the Board of Tutors.
Divisions
The University is broken up into six separate schools: Neoteric Experimentation (True and Summoning Magik), Extraplanar Theurgy (Divine Magik), Alchemical Transfiguration (Alchemy), Restorative and Corporeal Arts (Restorative Magik), Agrological Crasiamancy (Elemental Magik and Herbalism), and Arcane Sorceries and Ancient Runes (encompassing Arcane Magik, Monster Magik, and other unusual magiks).
Within these schools, there are 333 different degrees one can obtain from Raslowe, such as Astrometerological Prognostication, Glyphic Enchanting and Mystic Endowment, Numerological Identification and Manipulation, and the ever-popular but highly-regulated Pyromantic Conjuration.
Tavern Talk And Scuttlebutt
Professional independent mages usually come recommended if they have a degree from Raslowe. Some people fear the secret experiments that are said to be held within the lower levels of the University.
In-Character Quote
“There is no better institution for higher learning and liberal experimentation in all of Xaria.”
- Lord Rufus Dwighpickle VI, Dean of the School of Neoteric Experimentation
Necessary Game Mechanics
Less than 10% of the mages in the world studied at Raslowe. Mages who did study there will often feel some sort of fraternization with other Raslowe graduates, even enemies.
Contact
Kevin O’Hara / Devin Parker
Red File
Not at this time.